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In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.

He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.

As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I worked there for three years. A perk of the job was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.

I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.

Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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